One of Australia’s leading concussion experts has issued an ominous warning to Sharks warhorse Cameron McInnes in the wake of his record-breaking defensive performance against premiers Penrith last weekend.
McInnes made a remarkable 83 tackles in 80 minutes – but looked like a bruised and battered heavyweight boxer after the game.
Dr Adrian Cohen, a long-time concussion researcher and advocate, believes McInnes’ bravery is likely to cause him problems in the future.
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Only days after league immortal Wally Lewis revealed his diagnosis of probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), Dr Cohen believes McInnes is putting himself at grave risk.
“Yes, without doubt he is increasing his chances of brain damage in the future,” Dr Cohen told Wide World of Sports.
“The number of impacts over time, multiplied by their force gives you a total lifetime ‘dose’ of energy to the brain.
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“The higher the dose, the more likely the damage.
“It’s like the old cigarette ads: ‘every impact is doing you damage’.”
Dr Cohen added that an Australian Senate Committee into Concussion is expected to hand down its findings this week.
“I will be very interested in what they come up with,” he said.
Holmes manager’s judiciary request
Val Holmes’ manager has called for the NRL to adopt an NFL-style judiciary system after his star client was rubbed out for four weeks for a high shot.
Holmes was given the lengthy suspension for a dangerous tackle on Titans fullback Jayden Campbell, which also saw him sent to the sin bin – a factor that contributed to the Cowboys’ upset defeat that has left them in danger of missing the finals.
“In the NFL, it’s all about the fans and getting to see their heroes every weekend,” manager Gavin Orr told Wide World of Sports.
“So for all but the most extreme acts of violent play, players are fined and allowed to play the next week.
“I think it should be the same here – now Cowboys fans are robbed of seeing one of their marquee players in three (four) crucial games that could decide their finals fate.
“The lengthy suspension is also odd because Jayden didn’t even go off for a HIA.
“So that would indicate that the hit, while it was high, was not that bad.”
Storm brewing over premiership cup stunt
The repercussions continue from the Storm celebrating the two premierships that they were stripped of for salary cap rorting last weekend.
The club was slammed by both the media and fans of rival clubs for the incident at last weekend’s home game against the Eels.
Gallen rips ‘disrespectful’ Storm celebration
One of the key figures who was at the club of the time of the two stripped premierships (2007 and 2009) has told mates he is considering a tell-all television interview about the entire affair.
If he does follow through on his threats, it will rock the game to its foundations.
Star Titans duo likely to stay
Titans fans stressing about losing star forwards Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and David Fifita next season can relax.
Both have a get-out clause in their contracts in the wake of the recent sacking of coach Justin Holbrook and have attracted interest from many rival clubs.
But I’ve spoken to several people at the Titans who are close to the pair and they are saying the duo are happy with the club, enjoy the lifestyle on the holiday strip and aren’t planning on going anywhere.
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